Scanner with auxiliary non-volatile memory

ABSTRACT

A radio receiver having a plurality of features programmable by a user, the data relating to the programmable features defining a set-up configuration. The radio receiver includes a housing and an auxiliary memory disposed within the housing which stores a plurality of set-up configurations. A working memory is also disposed within the housing and is configured to store the set-up configuration in use by the radio receiver.

REFERENCE TO COMPACT DISCS (CD-R'S) FILED WITH THE APPLICATION

[0001] Duplicate compact discs (CD-R's) have been filed with the presentapplication as a computer program listing appendix. Each compact disccontains the file Vscanner.asm (79,282 bytes, created Nov. 5, 2003). Thematerial on the compact discs is incorporated herein by reference as acomputer program listing appendix.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application (includingfiled contained on the compact discs) contains material, which issubject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection tothe facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent andTrademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention is generally directed to a portable or mobilescanning radio, also called a “scanner”, although it is also applicableto radio receivers, and radio transceivers with internal memory forfrequencies, and other operational settings or “set-ups”.

[0004] A scanner is essentially a radio receiver, which is capable ofquickly checking multiple radio frequencies for activity, andselectively stopping on a single frequency, to receive and demodulate aradio signal of interest. Typically, when a scanner is in a “scan mode”,the scanner searches or scans for signals within a pre-selected range offrequencies or through a list of frequencies stored in internal memory.When a signal is located, typically the scanner is designed to stopscanning so that the user can listen to the signal, which is beingreceived by the scanner. Typically, users are not interested in many ofthe signals which can be received by the scanner. For example, a usermay only be interested in receiving signals relating to public service(police and fire department), but not relating to marine or aviationactivity. Generally, scanners include the ability to program particularfrequencies to be scanned. The user can, therefore, program the desiredfrequencies relating to, for example, public service communications intohis scanner. Now when the scanner performs its scanning function, thelist of frequencies related to public service communications will bestored in the scanner's memory and the scanner will only scan thepre-programmed frequencies relating to public service communications. Ifa user later decides he would like to listen to different signals, forexample, signals used by race car drivers at a race, the user can thenenter the race car frequencies to be scanned into the scanner. When thisnew list of race car frequencies is entered into the scanner, veryoften, the old list of public service communications frequencies isremoved from the scanner's memory, i.e. the scanner's memory isrewritten.

[0005] Beside frequency lists, many other features can be selected on atypical scanner. The entirety of the frequencies, and other programmablefeatures are referred to as a “set-up”. Some of these set-up featuresinclude: frequency ranges for searches, channel talk-groupidentifications, channel lockout status, contrast settings, etc. Aparticular scanner set-up is comprised of, and defined by, theselections made for each of these features. Each of the settings can bechanged and set as desired by the particular user. The set-up is savedin the scanner's working non-volatile memory so that when the scanner isturned on and off the set-up information is not lost. Some scannersinclude thousands of settings (including frequencies and frequencylabels), which can be set by a user. Therefore, achieving a desiredset-up for these scanners can be a lengthy and tedious process. Inaddition, if a user wants to temporarily alter the set-up, and use thepreviously entered settings, the user must spend a substantial amount oftime to create a new set-up and then spend time and effort to achievethe previous set-up again. A common example of a practical reason tochange between multiple set-ups may be due to travel. A user may havethe scanner set for his local geographical area, and may then travel toother areas that use completely different frequencies, and labeling forthese frequencies and talk-groups. It is very common that each separategeographical area will require a unique set-up to address the user'slistening goals for that particular area.

[0006] A method which has been used to alleviate the time and effortinvolved with programming and reprogramming the scanner set-up involvesuse of a personal computer. Through the use of the memory and filesystem in a personal computer, the particular settings chosen by a usercan be saved as a set-up file to be used repeatedly. With this method,as shown in FIG. 1, a cable 10 is provided between a scanner 14 and apersonal computer 12. The scanner 14 includes working memory 16. Thecomputer 12 includes memory or other storage media 18 in which multipleset-up files 19 are stored. Special software created to upload anddownload set up files 19 and to save and delete set up files 19 isloaded on the computer 12. With the computer 12 attached to the scanner14, the user can, for example, download a first configuration from theworking memory 16 of the scanner 14 to the memory 18 of the computer 12.The first configuration is saved, for example, as set-up file 19 a. Theuser can then alter the settings of the scanner 14 and save the secondconfiguration within the scanner's working memory 16. Using the softwareon the computer 12, the second configuration can then be transferred tothe memory 18 of the computer 12. The second configuration is saved, forexample, as set-up file 19 b. The memory 18 of the computer 12 iscapable of storing multiple set-up files, so that when a user desires aparticular arrangement of settings, the related set-up file can beselected from the computer 12 and uploaded to the scanner's workingmemory 16.

[0007] This prior art method of saving multiple set-up files on acomputer allows a user to quickly change the settings on the scannerwithout the tedious repetitive manual entry required through use of thescanner user interface (keyboard and display) alone. However, adisadvantage of this method is that it requires the user to have accessto a personal computer, and interface hardware (i.e. cable or dockingport) in order to effectuate the changes to the scanner's workingmemory. Not only is this costly, but it can also be cumbersome totransport the personal computer and interface hardware, even if, forexample, a lap top personal computer is used.

[0008] The present invention overcomes at least some of the problemspresented in the prior art and provides additional advantages over theprior art, such advantages will become clear upon a reading of theattached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A general object of an embodiment of the present invention is toprovide a scanner, which is capable of storing multiple set-up filesinternally without any external connections or accessories.

[0010] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to providea scanner, which is capable of accessing and managing multiple internalset-up files.

[0011] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is toeconomically provide a scanner, which can store multiple set-up filesinternally.

[0012] Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention isto provide a convenient and efficient method of storing multiple copiesof a radio's working memory.

[0013] Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, an embodiment ofthe present invention provides a scanner, which includes a workingmemory, an auxiliary memory, and a user interface. Multiple set-upfolders, which contain set-up data, are stored within the auxiliarymemory. The user interface is driven by a microprocessor is providedwithin the scanner and allows a user to select which set-up folder is tobe used by the working memory. The user interface allows performance ofcommon functions, such as, for example, load, save, delete, copy, andmove to manage the internal set-up folders. Preferably, the invention isrealized through modern high capacity flash memory chips, and a softwareprogram that runs on a microprocessor, which facilitates the practicaluse, and management of the working and auxiliary memories.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The organization and manner of the structure and operation of theinvention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals identify like elements in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 represents a prior art scanner along with a personalcomputer, which is used to download and upload set-up files from thepersonal computer to the scanner through external connection cables;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a diagram which represents a scanner which incorporatesthe features of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 3a is an electrical schematic illustrating a portion of apreferred embodiment of the electrical circuitry of the scannerrepresented in FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 3b is an electrical schematic illustrating another portion ofa preferred embodiment of the electrical circuitry of the scannerrepresented in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating alignment of FIG. 3a withrespect to FIG. 3b;

[0020]FIG. 5a is an electrical schematic illustrating a portion of apreferred embodiment of the electrical circuitry of the scannerrepresented in FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 5b is an electrical schematic illustrating another portion ofa preferred embodiment of the electrical circuitry of the scannerrepresented in FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating alignment of FIG. 5a withrespect to FIG. 5b;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the steps for managing aplurality of set-up configurations using the scanner of FIG. 2.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a diagram which represents a scanner which incorporatesthe features of a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0025]FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the steps for managing aplurality of set-up configurations using the scanner of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in differentforms, there are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described indetail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that asillustrated and described herein.

[0027] A scanner which is in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 while a scanner inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 8-9. Both embodiments provide a scanner which iscapable of storing, accessing and managing multiple set-up filesinternally without any external connections or accessories.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the scanner 20 which is in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present invention includes working memory22, auxiliary memory 24, a user interface 23, keys 28 and a display 30.

[0029] The working memory 22, also referred to as the set-up memory, islocated within the scanner 20. Preferably, the working memory 22 is of anon-volatile type, such as, for example an EEPROM type. Thus, thecontents of the working memory are not lost when the power is removedfrom the scanner 20.

[0030] Preferably, the working memory 22 includes approximately 100software settable features and hundreds or thousands of operator setfeatures. These operator set features preferably include, for example:frequencies, frequency ranges for searches, memory labels, talk-groupidentifications, and settings (flags) establishing which of themultitude of frequencies are to be scanned. The selection of thesettings, or set-up configuration, encompasses the entire scannerconfiguration (set-up), such as, the frequency configurations and thedisplay configurations. A particular set-up may be useful, for example,for a specific geographic area. Another set-up may be tailored for aparticular type of listening, for example, public service fire/policefrequencies, but not amateur radio or aviation frequencies.

[0031] The auxiliary memory 24 is also preferably located within thescanner 20 and may be controlled by the same or a differentmicroprocessor that controls the working memory 22. Preferably, theauxiliary memory 24 is a non-volatile type, such as, for example, a“FLASH” type. Thus, the contents of the auxiliary memory 24 are not lostwhen the power is removed from the scanner 20. Although is has beenstated that the working memory 22 and auxiliary memory 24 are of thenon-volatile type, it is possible due to the advantages of thisinvention that the working memory 22 may be of volatile type (RAM). Suchvolatile memory is automatically refreshed on initial microprocessorboot, in a fashion not apparent to the user, from the non-volatileauxiliary memory 24.

[0032] The auxiliary memory 24 provides a location for storing multipleset-up folders 26. Each set up folder 26 is capable of storing theset-up configuration data associated with the working memory 22.

[0033] The user interface 23 includes a microprocessor 25 and software27. The microprocessor 25 drives the software 27. The user interface 23is internal to the scanner 20 and provides communication between theradio user, the working memory 22 and the auxiliary memory 24. The userinterface 23 provides menus and prompts which allow the scanner user,through the keys 28 and display 30, to accomplish the directed andconvenient transfer of set-up data between the working memory 22 and theauxiliary memory 24 and to manage the multiple set-up folders 26 in theinternal non-volatile memory 24. A copy of the code relating to thesoftware 27 is submitted herewith on compact disc as a computer programlisting appendix. It is to be understood that the code can be providedin variety of ways to carry out the functions of the user interface andthat the code provided in appendix is only one example.

[0034]FIGS. 3a and 3 b provide a schematic diagram of a logic circuitsection of the preferred electrical circuitry in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the diagram isaligned by placing FIG. 3a to the left of FIG. 3b. As shown in FIGS. 3aand 3 b, the working memory 22 is provided by IC201, the auxiliarymemory 24 is represented by IC210, the microprocessor 25 is representedby IC204 and IC209, the display 30 is represented by LCD, and the keys28 are represented by the Keyboard.

[0035]FIGS. 5a and 5 b provide a schematic diagram of a linear circuitsection of the preferred electrical circuitry in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the diagram isaligned by placing FIG. 5a to the left of FIG. 5b. Connection isprovided between the logic circuit section and the linear circuitsection as follows: CN201 of the logic circuit section is connected toCN2 of the linear circuit section; CN203 of the logic circuit section isconnected to CN1 of the linear circuit section; and CN202 of the logiccircuit section is connected to CN4 of the linear circuit section.

[0036] Particular examples for using the radio receiver 20 will now bedescribed. If, for example, a user wants to temporarily alter the set-upconfiguration, the user can first save the current working set-upconfiguration from working memory 22 to a set-up folder 26, for example,specifically set-up folder 26a through the use of the microprocesse 25,and software 27. The user may then modify the set-up configuration datain the working memory 22 of the scanner 20. When the user wants to usethe previous set up configuration from set up folder 26a, the set upconfiguration data currently in the working memory 22 can be transferredto a folder, for example set up folder 26b of the auxiliary memory 24.Next, the data from set up folder 26a can be reloaded into the workingmemory 22. The user interface 23 allows for each folder to be labeledalphanumerically for the convenience of the scanner user. Additionally,the software 27 keeps track of which folders 26 may be empty, and uponquery from the user, will display the empty status to provide a furtherconvenience to the user. Thus, data regarding each scanner feature isstored within each set-up folder 26.

[0037] When the user, through the user interface 23, loads a folder 26to the working memory 22, all of the settings relating to the scanner'sfeatures are restored to that of the saved features in the folder 26.For example, a user may first configure the scanner 20 so that he canlisten to aircraft and the park service frequencies. In addition, he maylike darker contrast on the display 30, and no Automatic Gain Control(AGC) on the audio. A second configuration defined by the user, mayinclude fire and police frequencies with audio AGC activated, and longpost-squelch-drop delays. The microprocessor and software user interfaceallows for each configuration to be stored in a folder 26a or 26b inauxiliary memory 24. When a particular configuration folder is chosen,through the use of the user interface 23, the desired set-up folder 26nis loaded into the working memory 22. Preferably, this operation isperformed nearly effortlessly and can be completed within a matter ofseconds. If the user later wants to modify the configuration of aparticular set-up, the user can move the configuration data set-up fromthe working memory 22 to a memory folder 26. With the previously savedoptions now transferred from the working memory 22 to a memory folder26, the working memory 22 is thereafter available for erasure, ormodification, storing new data regarding the user's new configuration.

[0038] Unlike the prior art. Do external connection to a computer, orassociated cable or docking port, is required. The user interfacefunctions are designed in such a way to be easy to understand, andprompt the user through each step of the functions. Examples of thesteps performed by a user to carry out these functions will now bedescribed. For example, if a user chooses to save a particular set-upconfiguration, the scanner 20 can be configured such that the usersimply follows the following steps. The user access a menu of functionsby pressing the following sequence of keys “PGM”, “FUNC” “PGM”. Inresponse, the scanner 20 will provide the user with a list of optionsincluding: “1-Save”, “2-Load”, “3-Delete” or “CL-Exit”. The user selectsthe desired option by pressing the appropriate key, i.e. 1, 2, 3, or CL,associated with desired function as displayed. If the user does not wantto save, load, or delete a set up configuration, the function can beaborted by pressing the “CL” key. If for example, the user desires tosave the particular configuration, the user presses the “1” key. Theuser will then be prompted through the display 30 to confirm that theconfiguration is to be saved. For example, the user will be asked topress the “enter ” key to save the configuration or to press the “CL”key to abort or exit the operation. The user is then asked to identifythe folder in which the configuration is to be stored. The useridentifies the folder using the keys 28. If the particular folderidentified by the user is not empty, the user will be asked to confirmthat the previous data stored in the folder should be overwritten. Ifthe user does not want to overwrite the previous data stored in thefolder the user can chose another folder in which the configuration canbe saved.

[0039] The user interface 23 also warns the user of any possiblenon-reversible operation, e.g. “delete”, and requires a secondconfirmation key press before the non-reversible operation is initiated.A status indication on the display 30 is provided while a function isperformed by the microprocessor 25 so the user may know that theselected function is progressing normally. Once the microprocessor 25and software 27 determine that a function is complete, the display 30will indicate the completion of the function, and require a confirmingkey press on keypad 28 before additional functions are allowed.Preferably, the user interface 23 allows the set up folders 26 to bemanaged with the following commands: save, load, delete, copy and move.For example, the command “save” refers to storing data from the workingmemory 22 to a set-up folder 26. The command “load” refers to retrievingset-up data from a memory folder 26 and placing that data in the workingmemory 22. The command “delete” refers to erasing data (an individualfolder) from the auxiliary memory 26. The command “copy” refers makingan exact copy from one folder in auxiliary memory 26 to another folderin auxiliary memory 26. The command “move” refers to making an exactcopy of one folder in auxiliary memory 26 to another folder in auxiliarymemory 26, and then deleting the contents of the source folder of thecopy.

[0040] The scanner 20 can be used in a variety of ways to provideimproved functionality and convenience to the user. A diagram, whichgenerally represents a method of using the scanner 20, is provided inFIG. 7. As represented by step 102 in FIG. 7, the method begins byproviding a radio receiver including a housing, an auxiliary memorydisposed within the housing, and a working memory disposed within thehousing. Next, as represented by steps 104 and 105, the auxiliary memoryis configured to store multiple set-up configurations and the workingmemory is configured to store a set-up configuration to be used by theradio receiver. As represented by the step 108, the user then obtains orselects data to define multiple set-up configurations. As represented bystep 110, the user then operates the radio receiver to store and managethe data relating to multiple set-up configurations within the auxiliarymemory. Finally, as represented by step 112, the user operates the radioreceiver to retrieve a set-up configuration from the auxiliary memoryand store the particular set-up configuration within the working memory.It is to be understood that it is not necessary to perform the stepsshown in FIG. 7 in the particular sequence provided.

[0041] A scanner 60 in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 8. As shown, the scanner 60 includesa user interface 61, an auxiliary memory 62, keys 64, a display 66 and aworking memory pointer 68. The scanner 60 is similar to the scanner 20,however, a separate working memory is not provided within the scanner60.

[0042] The user interface 61 includes a microprocessor 63 and software65. The microprocessor 63 drives the software 65.

[0043] The auxiliary memory 62 is located within the scanner 60.Preferably, the auxiliary memory 62 is of the FLASH type. The auxiliarymemory 62 provides a location for storing multiple set-up folders 70.Each set up folder 70 is capable of storing the set-up configurationdata. A software working memory pointer 68 is used to determine whichparticular set-up folder 70 is to be activated and used by themicroprocessor 63 in scanner 60. With this second embodiment, it is notnecessary to delineate the actual hardware memory into separateintegrated circuits, or the software operational concept of working, andauxiliary memories. It is possible for the microprocessor 63 andsoftware 65 to use any folder 70 in auxiliary memory 62 directly, as ifit were the working memory of the previous embodiment.

[0044] It is additionally possible for the microprocessor 63 andsoftware 65 to scan a list of auxiliary memory folders 70 in sequence orindividually via a list that is part of the scanner 60 set-up. Thissecond embodiment allows for a more cost effective implementation of thedisclosed invention by using only one hardware memory device. In thisembodiment, the software operation of “load” just changes the locationof the pointer 68, so no actual transfer of set-up data is performed.

[0045] A diagram representing a general method 200 of using the scanner60 is provided in FIG. 9. The method begins with step 202 in which aradio receiver is provided including a housing, a memory disposed withinthe housing, and a working memory pointer. Next, as represented by step204, the memory is configured to store multiple set up configurations.As represented by step 206, the user then selects or obtains data todefine multiple set-up configurations. As represented by step 208, theuser then operates the radio receiver to store and manage multipleset-up configurations in the memory. Finally, as represented by step210, the user then uses the working memory pointer to determine theset-up configuration to be used by the radio receiver.

[0046] A schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the scanner 60,is similar to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3a, 3 b, 5 a, 5 b,however, the schematic diagram of the scanner 60 does not include IC201which represent the working memory 22 of the scanner 20.

[0047] As with the first embodiment, no external connection to acomputer, or associated cable or docking port, is required in connectionwith the scanner 60. The user interface functions are designed in such away to be easy to understand, and prompt the user through each step ofthe functions. Preferably, the steps performed by the user to operatethe interface functions are similar to the steps performed in connectionwith the scanner 20 described above.

[0048] Each of the embodiments of the scanner described above allows theuser to save a set up configuration in a set-up folder as implemented bythe microprocessor and software. Once the set-up configuration has beenentered and saved, recall of the set up configuration is essentiallyeffortless by virtue of the menu driven nature of the user interface.Because each scanner includes non-volatile, auxiliary memory within thescanner itself, along with a microprocessor and software, it is notnecessary to use a personal computer or associated cables or dockingport to access and alter the set-up configurations. Thus, this inventionprovides a single easily portable unit, which can easily be reconfiguredas desired by the user. Each embodiment described above will still allowthe folders to be fully accessible (load, save, delete, copy, move) by apersonal computer via an industry standard interface (e.g. RS-232 orUSB) such that the working memory, and or auxiliary memory folders maybe managed via the personal computer for additional convenience.Although the management of the scanner working and auxiliary memory bypersonal computer is supported, the use and management of the scannermemory does not require the use of the personal computer, cables, ordocking ports, as the microprocessor, non-volatile memory, and softwarefeature set, as described in this disclosure is preferably internal tothe scanner radio. Thus, the cost of a scanner in accordance with thepresent invention is less expensive that the cost of the combination ofa prior art scanner, a personal computer, and a cable.

[0049] While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shownand described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devisevarious modifications of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A radio receiver having a plurality offeatures programmable by a user, data relating to the programmablefeatures defining a set-up configuration, the radio receiver comprising:a housing; an auxiliary memory disposed within said housing, saidauxiliary memory configured such that a plurality of set-upconfigurations are storable therein; a working memory disposed withinsaid housing, said working memory configured such that at least one ofsaid set-up configurations for use by the radio receiver is storable insaid working memory; and wherein said radio receiver is configured tomanage said plurality of set-up configurations.
 2. A radio receiver asdefined in claim 1, wherein the radio receiver is configured such that aplurality of set-up configurations are stored and managed within saidradio receiver without using a computer in communication with the radioreceiver.
 3. A radio receiver as defined in claim 1, further comprising:a microprocessor disposed within said housing and in communication withsaid auxiliary memory, and wherein said microprocessor is configured tomanage said plurality of set-up configurations.
 4. A radio receiver asdefined in claim 3, wherein said working memory is controlled by saidmicroprocessor.
 5. A radio receiver as defined in claim 1, wherein saidworking memory is non-volatile.
 6. A radio receiver as defined in claim1, wherein said working memory comprises an EEPROM.
 7. A radio receiveras defined in claim 1, wherein said working memory is configured suchthat contents of said working memory is not lost when power is removedfrom the radio receiver.
 8. A radio receiver as defined in claim 1,wherein said auxiliary member is non-volatile.
 9. A radio receiver asdefined in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary memory comprises an EEPROM.10. A radio receiver as defined in claim 1, wherein said auxiliarymemory is configured such that contents of the auxiliary memory is notlost when power is removed from the radio receiver.
 11. A radio receiverhaving a plurality of features programmable by a user, data relating tothe programmable features defining a set-up configuration, the radioreceiver comprising: a housing; a memory disposed within said housing,said memory'storing a plurality of set-up configurations; a workingmemory pointer, wherein said working memory pointer identifies theset-up configuration in use by the radio receiver; and wherein saidradio receiver is configured to manage said plurality of set-upconfigurations.
 12. A radio receiver as defined in claim 11, wherein theradio receiver is configured such that a plurality of set-upconfigurations are stored and managed without using a computer incommunications with the radio receiver.
 13. A radio receiver as definedin claim 11, further comprising: a microprocessor configured to managesaid plurality of set-up configurations.
 14. A radio receiver as definedin claim 11, wherein said memory is non-volatile.
 15. A radio receiveras defined in claim 11, wherein said memory comprises an EEPROM.
 16. Aradio receiver as defined in claim 11, wherein said memory is configuredsuch that contents of said memory is not lost when power is removed fromthe radio receiver.
 17. A method for managing multiple set-upconfigurations for a radio receiver comprising the steps of: providing aradio receiver including a housing, an auxiliary memory disposed withinsaid housing configured such that a plurality of set-up configurationsare storable therein, a working memory disposed within said housing,said working memory storing at least one of said set-up configurations;wherein said radio receiver is configured to manage said plurality ofset-up configurations; and operating the scanner to store data relatingto the multiple set-up configurations in said auxiliary memory.
 18. Amethod as defined in claim 17, further including the step of: operatingthe radio receiver to retrieve data relating to one of the multipleset-up configurations from said auxiliary memory and to move said datato said working memory.
 19. A method for managing multiple set-upconfigurations for a radio receiver comprising the steps of: providing aradio receiver including; a housing, a memory disposed within saidhousing, said memory storing a plurality of set-up configurations,wherein said radio receiver is configured to manage said plurality ofset-up configurations, and a working memory pointer; and directing saidworking memory pointer to identify one of said plurality of set-upconfigurations to be used by the radio receiver.